commensalism

[ kuh-men-suh-liz-uh m ]

/ kəˈmɛn səˌlɪz əm /

noun

Ecology. a type of relationship between two species of a plant, animal, fungus, etc., in which one lives with, on, or in another without damage to either.

Sociology. peaceful coexistence among individuals or groups having independent or different values or customs.

Nearby words

Origin of commensalism

commensal + -ism

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Examples from the Web for commensalism

Mr. A. Agassiz has remarked to me another example of commensalism.
Animal Parasites and Messmates|P. J. Van Beneden
But the precise limit at which commensalism begins is not always easily to be ascertained.
Animal Parasites and Messmates|P. J. Van Beneden
Parasitism, commensalism, mutualism, exist with animals among the different species.
Introduction to the Science of Sociology|Robert E. Park
It is a case of commensalism of which there are very numerous examples.
The Industries of Animals|Frdric Houssay

Another case of commensalism has been made known to us by Professor Reinhardt of Copenhagen.
Animal Parasites and Messmates|P. J. Van Beneden

Word Origin and History for commensalism

commensalism

1870, from commensal + -ism.

Medicine definitions for commensalism

commensalism

[ kə-mĕn′sə-lĭz′əm ]

n.

A symbiotic relationship in which one organism derives benefit and the other is unharmed.

Science definitions for commensalism

commensalism

[ kə-mĕn′sə-lĭz′əm ]

A symbiotic relationship between two organisms of different species in which one organism derives benefit while the other is unaffected. Examples of commensalism include epiphytic plants, which depend on a larger host plant for support but which do not derive any nourishment from it, and remoras, which attach themselves to sharks and feed on their leavings without appreciably hindering their hosts. Compare amensalism mutualism parasitism.